Autumn has always been the season for European city breaks or chasing the sun in far-flung resorts, however this year, travel is certainly looking different for most of us. As international travel plans are put on hold, there’s no better time to fall back in love with glorious destinations right here in the UK.
For a much-needed retreat packed with stunning coastal landscapes, fresh air, spectacular local food and balmy weather, look no further than Cornwall. This region of South West England has endless sandy beaches that rival the Caribbean and a number of picturesque towns to discover, plus you can travel with greater peace of mind.
Here are some tips on how to make your Cornwall holiday ever so memorable:
Breathe in the sea air on Cornwall’s beaches
There’s nothing more restorative than a bracing walk along Cornwall’s rugged coastal paths. When visiting Cornwall, I loved hiking the winding route from Mawgan Porth to Watergate Bay. It’s a long one, but at the end, you can treat yourself to lunch with a view at The Beach Hut.
If surfing is on your agenda, head to hotspots like Fistral Beach in Newquay and Summerleaze Beach in Bude, or find stunning turquoise waters at pretty Porthcurno Beach in south-west Cornwall.
Taste the best of the coast
Cornwall is a real treat for foodies with an abundance of fresh seafood and fabulous restaurants by celebrated chefs. Restaurants on my wish list include Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow, Fitzroy by the team behinds Westerns Laundry and Jolene, Falmouth ‘pub with a view’ The Star & Garter and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac.
Of course, a trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without some delicious fish and chips, a Cornish cream tea or the famous Cornish pasty.
Explore the great outdoors
Make the most of Cornwall’s pleasant autumn climate and visit its many outdoor attractions. The Eden Project near St Blazey features two enormous biomes filled with plants collected from diverse climates and environments around the world. One of them is the largest indoor rainforest in the world while the other has a Mediterranean environment. There is also an outside botanical garden which is home to plants and wildlife native to Cornwall.
You can also explore 200 acres of luscious greenery at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, cross the causeway to visit the beautiful tidal island of St. Michael’s Mount or watch a show in the open air at The Minnack Theatre.
Immerse yourself in culture
With a renewed sense of vitality, you’ll have plenty of energy to explore Cornwall’s leading arts intitutions. The iconic Tate St Ives, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, is back in action with a major exhibition of the works of South Korean artist Haegue Yang.
The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is also open for viewing the magnificent collection and the Falmouth Art Gallery has just debuted a new group exhibition showcasing artworks originally acquired for use in Cornwall’s public schools.
Relax and unwind
If you’ve been left feeling frazzled, heal your body and mind with a much-needed retreat. After a long day of exploring, unwind in a private cliff top hot tub at The Scarlet in Mawgan Porth, listen to the sounds of the ocean during a spa treatment at C Bay Spa in St Ives or stretch out at a yoga class in Watergate Bay.
Are you tempted to visit Cornwall for a weekend stay? Where are your favourite places along the coast?
This post was written in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own.
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